Hebrew Girl Names That Mean Happiness
If you're drawn to Hebrew girl names that mean happiness, you'll notice most of them arrive at joy sideways, through grace, favor, or song.
Names115
OriginHebrew
MeaningHappiness
GenderGirl
Hebrew is unusually rich in names for warmth and blessing, and this list shows why: the same short root keeps resurfacing under different spellings and different languages. Grace, favor, and song turn out to be Hebrew's preferred routes to happiness, rather than the word itself.
Some names here wear that root plainly, like Anne and Annika, both descended from the same short Hebrew name. Others, like Ashira, reach the same warmth through action instead, meaning 'I will sing' rather than simply 'grace.'
Why Hebrew girl names that mean happiness are usually grace names
Anne is on file as the French form of Hannah, and that Hebrew lineage is why 'grace' keeps turning up across this list: Anya, Annika, Nancy, and Annina are all diminutives of Anna carrying the same meaning, while Ellianna blends Ella with that same Anna root, and Hana carries 'grace' in the Semitic languages Hebrew belongs to.
Names that reach happiness a different way
Not every name on this page leans on grace. Ashira is Hebrew for 'I will sing,' putting the joy directly into the sound of the name rather than its meaning. Saray carries the older biblical form of Sarai, showing how far back this naming tradition runs, while Annabelle, Meera, and Laysha show how other cultures echo the same warm, hopeful sound.
Names List
Abigail#41 in the U.S.Father's joy; my father is joyful; source of joyPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Annabelle#343 in the U.S.Combination of Anna (from Hebrew Hannah, meaning grace or favor) and Belle (from Latin/French bella, meanPronounced AN-ah-bel▶Anya#375 in the U.S.Russian and Eastern European diminutive of Anna, from Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace', 'favor', or 'God haPronounced AHN-yah▶Anne#619 in the U.S.French form of Anna, from Hebrew Channah meaning 'grace,' 'favor,' or 'God has favored me'; the -ne spellPronounced AN▶Ellianna#643 in the U.S.A blend of Ella (from Hebrew El meaning God) and Anna (from Hebrew Channah meaning grace or God has favorPronounced el-ee-AN-uh▶Hana#658 in the U.S.In Japanese, hana means flower or blossom; in Arabic and Hebrew, a variant of Hannah meaning grace or GodPronounced HAH-nah▶Aliza#675 in the U.S.From Hebrew alitz or aliza meaning joyful, cheerful, or full of joy; related to the Hebrew root ayin-lamePronounced ah-LEE-zuh▶Abby#731 in the U.S.Short form of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil (אֲבִיגַיִל), meaning 'my father is joyful' or 'father's Pronounced AB-ee▶Nancy#967 in the U.S.Originally a medieval diminutive of Ann or Agnes, now understood as a pet form of Ann from Hebrew Hannah Pronounced NAN-see▶Annika#995 in the U.S.Scandinavian and German diminutive of Anna, from Hebrew Hannah meaning grace, favor, or He has favored mePronounced AN-ih-kah▶Meera#1101 in the U.S.Prosperous; ocean; from Sanskrit mira (ocean, sea) or Hindi Meera (devoted one, after the saint Mirabai)Pronounced MEER-uh▶Baila#1427 in the U.S.Dance, to dance with joyPronounced BY-lah▶Gitty#1443 in the U.S.Good, joyful, a good thingPronounced GIT-ee▶Abbie#1617 in the U.S.A diminutive of Abigail, from Hebrew 'Avigayil' meaning 'my father is joy'.Pronounced AB-ee▶Alizah#2296 in the U.S.joyful, cheerful, merryPronounced ah-LEE-zuh▶Rina#2372 in the U.S.joy, song of joyPronounced REE-nuh▶Alyza#2480 in the U.S.joyful, joyPronounced al-IHZ-a▶Asher#2501 in the U.S.Happy, blessedPronounced ASH-uhr▶Avigail#2504 in the U.S.my father's joyPronounced a-vee-ga-EEL▶Alizae#3690 in the U.S.Variant of Aliza ('joyful', Hebrew) or Alizé (French for the trade wind); a modern -ae spellingPronounced ə-LEE-zay▶Saray#3797 in the U.S.Spanish-favored form of Sarai — Hebrew 'my princess', Abraham's wife before God renamed her SarahPronounced sah-RY▶Abigael#3877 in the U.S.Variant spelling of Abigail — Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' — King David's wise wifePronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Abigaelle#3878 in the U.S.French form (Abigaëlle) of Abigail — Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy'Pronounced ab-ih-gah-EL▶Abbigail#3950 in the U.S.Double-b spelling of Abigail — Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' — with the nickname Abby built inPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Hannia#4221 in the U.S.Elaboration of Hannah ('grace, favor') and Arabic Hania ('happiness, contentment'); routes layeredPronounced HAH-nee-ah▶Ronni#4345 in the U.S.-i spelling of Ronnie — a pet form of Veronica ('true image' / 'bringer of victory') or Rona; also HebrewPronounced RON-ee▶Alyzah#4371 in the U.S.Spelling of Aliza/Eliza — Hebrew aliza, 'joyful', or a short form of Elizabeth, 'God is my oath'; routes Pronounced ə-LEE-zah▶Aleyza#4463 in the U.S.Modern Latina coinage echoing Aleeza/Aliza ('joyful', Hebrew); construction informalPronounced ah-LAY-zah▶Renna#4850 in the U.S.From Hebrew rina, 'joy, song'; also a short form of Renata ('reborn'); routes layeredPronounced REN-ah▶Aleeza#4877 in the U.S.From Hebrew aliza, 'joy, joyful, merry'; also Arabic 'noble, exalted'; routes layeredPronounced ə-LEE-zah▶Abigale#5004 in the U.S.-gale spelling of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; father of exaltation'Pronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Rani#5099 in the U.S.From Sanskrit/Hindi rani, 'a queen'; also Hebrew Rani, 'my joy, my song'; here for girls; routes layeredPronounced RAH-nee▶Avigayil#5306 in the U.S.Hebrew form of Abigail — from Avigayil, 'my father's joy; the father rejoices'Pronounced ah-vee-GAH-yil▶Abigayle#5421 in the U.S.-gayle spelling of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father's joy; the father rejoices'Pronounced AB-ə-gayl▶Abbey#5597 in the U.S.Pet form of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; the father's joy'; also echoes 'abbey', a Pronounced AB-ee▶Reena#5737 in the U.S.From Hebrew rina, 'joy, a song of joy'; also Sanskrit, 'a gem, dissolved/melted'; also a pet of Sabrina/KPronounced REE-nah▶Yarin#5762 in the U.S.From Hebrew yarin, 'he/she will sing out, will shout for joy'; also linked to 'understanding'; here for gPronounced yah-REEN▶Mettie#5773 in the U.S.Mettie is a nineteenth-century American pet form used for several longer names, including Mehitabel (HebrPronounced MET-ee▶Abagail#5780 in the U.S.-aga- spelling of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; the father's joy'Pronounced AB-ə-gayl▶Laysha#6044 in the U.S.A modern spelling echoing Laisha/Aisha — from Arabic, 'living, alive; prosperous' (also a Hebrew 'woman' Pronounced LAY-shah▶Abi#6145 in the U.S.A short form of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; the father's joy'Pronounced AB-ee▶Ashira#6178 in the U.S.From Hebrew — variously 'I will sing' (from shir, 'to sing') and 'wealthy, prosperous' (from osher, 'wealPronounced ah-SHEER-ah▶Abygail#6371 in the U.S.A spelling of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; the father's joy, the father's delight'Pronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Gail#6715 in the U.S.A short form of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father rejoices; my father's joy'Pronounced GAYL▶Abbygail#6905 in the U.S.A spelling of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father rejoices; my father's joy'Pronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Roni#7166 in the U.S.From Hebrew roni, 'my joy; my song; my rejoicing'; also a short form of Veronica/Ronald; used for both sePronounced ROH-nee▶Alitza#7581 in the U.S.A form of Aliza — from Hebrew, 'joy; joyful; happiness'; also used as a modern Latin-American coinage; roPronounced ah-LEET-sah▶Alyzzah#7587 in the U.S.A spelling of Aliza — from Hebrew, 'joy; joyful; happiness'; also crossed with Alyssa; routes layeredPronounced ah-LEE-zah▶Annina#7983 in the U.S.An Italian/German diminutive of Anna — from the Hebrew Hannah, 'grace; favor; God has favored me'Pronounced ah-NEE-nah▶Asherah#7990 in the U.S.From the ancient Semitic — the name of a mother goddess (a consort of El in Canaanite religion); variouslPronounced ash-uh-RAH▶Gayl#8326 in the U.S.Gayl is a trimmed spelling of Gail, itself a short form of Abigail, from Hebrew avigayil, 'my father is jPronounced GAYL▶Alaiza#8432 in the U.S.A form/spelling of Aliza — from the Hebrew, 'joyful; joyous'; also echoing Eliza ('God is my oath'); routPronounced ah-LY-zah▶Gailya#8737 in the U.S.Gailya extends Gail, the short form of Abigail (Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' or 'my father rejoicePronounced GAY-lee-ah▶Alyzea#8749 in the U.S.Alyzea reads as a decorative elaboration of Aliza/Aleeza, the Hebrew name meaning joyful, with a nod to EPronounced uh-LEE-zee-uh▶Aby#9527 in the U.S.A pet form of Abigail — from the Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father's joy'; also a short form of Abril; routes lPronounced AB-ee▶Ebbie#9704 in the U.S.A pet form, variously of Abigail ('my father's joy', Hebrew) and Ebba ('strength', Germanic); routes layePronounced EB-ee▶Jocie#9834 in the U.S.A pet form, variously of Jocelyn ('a member of the Gauts', Germanic; linked by sound to 'joy') and JosephPronounced JOH-see▶Marni#9968 in the U.S.Variously from the Hebrew Marnina, 'to rejoice; cause of joy', and a pet form of Marina/Marion ('of the sPronounced MAR-nee▶Saadia#10107 in the U.S.Variously from the Arabic saadia ('fortunate; happy; blessed', from saad, 'good fortune') and the Hebrew Pronounced sah-AH-dee-ah▶Sairah#10110 in the U.S.A spelling of Sarah/Saira — variously 'a princess; a noblewoman' (Hebrew) and 'a traveler; happy' (ArabicPronounced SY-rah▶Simora#10144 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Simona ('one who hears/listens', Hebrew) or the Hebrew simcha ('joy') wiPronounced sih-MOR-ah▶Abigal#10247 in the U.S.A variant spelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigail, 'my father's joy' (av, 'father', + gil, 'joy')Pronounced AB-ih-gal▶Gila#10520 in the U.S.From the Hebrew Gila (Gilah), 'joy; happiness; rejoicing' (from gil, 'joy'). A warm Israeli virtue name.Pronounced GEE-lah▶Abaigeal#10688 in the U.S.Abaigeal is the Irish Gaelic form of Abigail, a Hebrew name (Avigail) meaning 'my father's joy' or 'my faPronounced AB-ih-gale▶Gaile#10806 in the U.S.Gaile is a decorative spelling of Gail/Gayle, originally a short form of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigail, 'mPronounced GAYL▶Abbigal#10870 in the U.S.Abbigal is a variant spelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, usually read as 'my father is joy' orPronounced AB-uh-gal▶Gaila#11034 in the U.S.Gaila is an elaborated form of Gail or Gayle, both short forms of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigail, 'my fPronounced GAY-luh▶Zaidee#11045 in the U.S.A respelling of Zadie/Zaydee, in the Sadie family (a pet form of Sarah, 'princess; lady'), sometimes alsoPronounced ZAY-dee▶Alayza#11110 in the U.S.A modern name near Aleeza (Hebrew, 'joy; joyful') and Eliza (from Elizabeth, 'pledged to God'). By route Pronounced uh-LAY-zah▶Alayzah#11111 in the U.S.An -h-ending spelling near Aleeza (Hebrew, 'joy; joyful') and Eliza (from Elizabeth, 'pledged to God'). BPronounced uh-LAY-zah▶Alyzae#11199 in the U.S.Alyzae is a contemporary American respelling in the family of Alisa and Aliza. Alisa is a form of Alice, Pronounced ah-LEE-zay▶Abagale#11356 in the U.S.Abagale is a respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, my father's joy. In the Bible Abigail is a Pronounced AB-uh-gail▶Roniya#11921 in the U.S.Roniya is a modern name built on Roni, from Hebrew ron, 'joy, song,' so 'my joy' or 'my song,' with the fPronounced roh-NEE-uh▶Ryna#11923 in the U.S.A short, modern name read as a spin on Reyna ('queen') or Rina/Rayna ('joy; pure; song'); also a clean coPronounced RY-nah▶Abbi#12129 in the U.S.A short, friendly form of Abigail, from the Hebrew for 'my father's joy; source of joy.' The -i ending giPronounced AB-ee▶Carolann#12375 in the U.S.A combo of Carol (from Charles, 'free man,' also 'song of joy') and Ann (from Hannah, 'grace; favor'), wrPronounced KAIR-oh-lan▶Abegail#12454 in the U.S.Abegail is a respelling of Abigail, a Hebrew name from Avigayil, meaning 'my father is joy' or 'source ofPronounced AB-uh-gayl▶Abiageal#12716 in the U.S.Abiageal is an Irish Gaelic form of Abigail, which comes from the Hebrew Avigayil, usually read as 'my faPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Mazal#12950 in the U.S.From the Hebrew mazal, 'luck; fortune; a lucky star; constellation' — the root of the greeting mazel tov Pronounced mah-ZAHL▶Abbigael#13079 in the U.S.Abbigael is an ornate respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigail, 'my father is joy' or 'joy of the fPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Rona#13149 in the U.S.Chiefly Hebrew Rona, 'joy; song of joy' (related to Ronit and Roni). Separately, Rona is a Scottish islanPronounced ROH-nuh▶Shiva#13230 in the U.S.From the Sanskrit Shiva, 'auspicious; benevolent; kind' — the name of one of the supreme deities of HinduPronounced SHEE-vuh▶Abbigale#13431 in the U.S.A modern spelling of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' (or 'my father rejoices'). In the Pronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Abigayil#13435 in the U.S.A transliteration-style spelling of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy.' In the Hebrew BiblPronounced ab-ih-GAY-il▶Abbygale#13471 in the U.S.A respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew for 'my father's joy' (av, 'father,' + gil, 'joy; rejoicing'). APronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Aliyza#13523 in the U.S.Aliyza is a modern respelling of Aliza, a Hebrew girls' name from the root a-l-z, 'to rejoice' — hence 'jPronounced uh-LEE-zuh▶Abbagail#13594 in the U.S.Abbagail is a respelling of Abigail, the Hebrew name meaning 'my father is joy' (or 'my father's joy'). IPronounced AB-uh-gayl▶Abigaile#13595 in the U.S.Abigaile is a variant of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, usually read as 'my father is joy' or 'my fatPronounced AB-ih-gale▶Joyceann#13665 in the U.S.Joyceann is a mid-century compound of Joyce, from the medieval Josse (and folk-linked to joy), and Ann, tPronounced JOYS-an▶Abbygayle#13809 in the U.S.Abbygayle is a decorative respelling of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' or 'source of jPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Gayle#14005 in the U.S.A spelling of Gail, itself a short form of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil — 'my father rejoices' or 'my faPronounced GAYL▶Carolanne#14133 in the U.S.Carolanne joins Carol - a feminine of Charles, from Germanic for 'free man', and also the word for a joyfPronounced KAIR-oh-lan▶Abbe#14570 in the U.S.Abbe is a spelling of Abby or Abbey, the pet form of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' orPronounced AB-ee▶Raiyna#14858 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Rayna/Reyna, read as 'queen' (Spanish reina) or as the Yiddish/Hebrew Rayna ('purePronounced RAY-nah▶Sadi#14908 in the U.S.Usually a pared-down spelling of Sadie, itself a pet form of Sarah (Hebrew, 'lady; noblewoman'). SeparatePronounced SAY-dee▶Rinna#14938 in the U.S.From the Hebrew rinnah, 'joy; a glad cry; song of praise.' A warm, celebratory virtue name; also read as Pronounced RIN-nah▶Abbye#14968 in the U.S.Abbye is a decorative spelling of Abby, the familiar short form of Abigail. Abigail comes from the HebrewPronounced AB-ee▶Gayla#15242 in the U.S.Most likely an elaboration of Gay or Gayle, from Gail, a short form of Abigail (Hebrew, 'my father's joy'Pronounced GAY-luh▶Abygale#15274 in the U.S.Abygale is a stylized respelling of Abigail, a Hebrew name usually translated 'my father's joy' or 'sourcPronounced AB-ih-gale▶Abbigayle#15306 in the U.S.Abbigayle is a decorative respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' or 'my fathPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Abigayl#15698 in the U.S.Abigayl is a respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, meaning 'my father is joy' or 'my father's Pronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Abygayle#15704 in the U.S.Abygayle is a decorated respelling of Abigail, a Hebrew name meaning my father is joy or source of joy. TPronounced AB-uh-gale▶Alysah#15822 in the U.S.Alysah is a decorative respelling that blends Alyssa with Aliza. Alyssa comes from the alyssum flower, whPronounced uh-LEE-suh▶Abagayle#15918 in the U.S.Abagayle is a heavily respelled form of Abigail, from the Hebrew 'Avigayil', usually translated 'my fathePronounced AB-ah-gale▶Abbagale#16446 in the U.S.Abbagale is a phonetic respelling of Abigail, the Hebrew Avigayil, understood as 'my father is joy' or 'mPronounced AB-uh-gayl▶Abagael#16531 in the U.S.Abagael is a rare respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' or 'source of joy.'Pronounced AB-uh-gayl▶Abbee#16533 in the U.S.Abbee is a modern American respelling of Abbie and Abby, the pet forms of Abigail, which comes from the HPronounced AB-ee▶Lissy#16635 in the U.S.A playful pet form of names like Elizabeth (Hebrew, 'God is my oath') or Felicity ('happiness') — a brighPronounced LIS-ee▶Ranita#16814 in the U.S.Ranita is a Hebrew girl's name from ranah, 'to sing, to rejoice,' giving 'song' or 'joy.' In American usePronounced ruh-NEE-tuh▶Rinah#17098 in the U.S.From the Hebrew Rinah (Rina), 'joy; song; glad shout; rejoicing' — a bright, celebratory virtue name.Pronounced REE-nah▶Rinnah#17099 in the U.S.The Hebrew rinnah itself, 'joy; a glad cry; song of praise' — the fuller spelling of Rinna. A warm, celebPronounced RIN-nah▶Sharol#17259 in the U.S.Sharol reads as a blend of Sharon and Carol. Sharon is a Hebrew place name, the fertile 'Plain of Sharon'Pronounced SHAIR-ul▶Simcha#17261 in the U.S.From the Hebrew simcha, 'joy; gladness' — a word at the heart of Jewish celebration (a simcha is a happy Pronounced SIM-khuh▶Joyanne#17449 in the U.S.Joyanne is a compound name joining Joy, the English word for gladness (from Latin gaudia), with Anne, froPronounced joy-ANN▶AliyzahA modern respelling of Aliza (Alizah), from the Hebrew for 'joyful; joy; merry.' A bright virtue name in Pronounced uh-LEE-zah▶
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Frequently Asked
Why do so many names on this list mean 'grace' instead of 'happiness'?
In Hebrew naming tradition, grace and favor were considered the source of a happy, blessed life, not a separate idea. Names like Anne and Annika both descend from Hannah's Hebrew root along this line.
Is <a href="/baby-names/ashira/">Ashira</a> a traditional Hebrew name?
Yes. Ashira is Hebrew for 'I will sing,' also carrying a sense of 'wealthy.' It expresses happiness as an action, singing, rather than as a static virtue like grace.
Which name here has the oldest biblical root?
Saray is the older form of Sarai, the matriarch's original Hebrew name meaning 'my princess,' beloved in Spanish-speaking families before it became the familiar Sarah.